Three appellate judges began hearing 30 criminal cases on Tuesday at Kabale High Court as part of efforts to clear delayed appeals and bring judicial proceedings closer to residents across the Kigezi area. Deputy Chief Justice Flavian Zeija said the three-day session will address 10 murder appeals and 10 aggravated defilement matters, along with cases involving robbery, kidnapping, rape and manslaughter. Justices Frederick Martin, Stephen Egonda-Ntende, Oscar John Kihika and Jesse Byaruhanga Rugyema comprise the panel handling the caseload.
Zeija noted that expanded staffing from 13 justices to 20 members will support regional circuits, with statutory authorization for 35 total positions. He said technology improvements and alternative resolution methods, such as mediation, can address operational challenges. Kabale Resident Judge Karoli Lwanga Ssemogerere reported progress in reducing pending matters from 950 to approximately 800 through coordination among prosecutors, police and corrections officials. Digital systems for scheduling and judgments, plus virtual testimony capabilities, have aided case management.
Representatives from the prosecution service and attorney general offices emphasized that decentralized hearings reduce travel burdens for litigants while calling for additional personnel. Prison official Festo Sambya said more than 20 detained individuals awaiting rulings will benefit from the session.
Zeija noted that expanded staffing from 13 justices to 20 members will support regional circuits, with statutory authorization for 35 total positions. He said technology improvements and alternative resolution methods, such as mediation, can address operational challenges. Kabale Resident Judge Karoli Lwanga Ssemogerere reported progress in reducing pending matters from 950 to approximately 800 through coordination among prosecutors, police and corrections officials. Digital systems for scheduling and judgments, plus virtual testimony capabilities, have aided case management.
Representatives from the prosecution service and attorney general offices emphasized that decentralized hearings reduce travel burdens for litigants while calling for additional personnel. Prison official Festo Sambya said more than 20 detained individuals awaiting rulings will benefit from the session.
